The experienced Australian batter is aiming to make his comeback in the Grenada Test.
Steve Smith has joined the Australian squad ahead of the second Test against the West Indies. Recovering from a finger injury, the veteran batter trained in a baseball batting cage in New York to speed up his return. His target is to be back in action for the Grenada Test.
Smith injured the little finger on his right hand while dropping a catch of South African captain Temba Bavuma during the ICC Test Championship final at Lord’s earlier this month. Though he avoided surgery, the injury forced him to miss the first Test against the West Indies in Barbados, ending his streak of 51 consecutive Tests.
He initially traveled with the team to Barbados, but found hotel confinement frustrating. So, he made a five-hour trip to New York, where he owns a home. There, he practiced in a baseball batting cage—first with tennis and softballs, and then with hard balls. He later sent the video footage to Australia’s medical team, who were pleased with his progress.
“There was a batting cage under a bridge. It was a great setup because it was hot—about 36 degrees Celsius… One of my mates told me about it, and he bowled me a few balls there.”
Upon returning to the Caribbean, Smith had his stitches removed on Sunday and was fitted with a thin splint to make wearing batting gloves easier. He’s scheduled to face bowlers in the nets on Tuesday in Grenada.
The 36-year-old is confident about returning for the second Test, though he’s certain he won’t be fielding in the slips.
“It feels like a normal training session for me. I’m not feeling any pain or discomfort. I’ve just got a splint on and I’m getting used to it. It’s not too bad, I’ve been moving it around a lot so it feels good. I’ve been hitting the ball well.”
“Fielding in front of the wicket might be the strangest part for me. I don’t think I’ve ever done that in a Test match. Being at mid-on, mid-off or fine leg is a bit different to standing at first or second slip.”
Australia will travel to Grenada on Monday. Interestingly, no member of the current squad has ever played there. The last time Australia played in Grenada was in 2008, featuring in two ODIs.
The upcoming match will be a milestone for West Indies’ former captain Kraigg Brathwaite, who will be playing his 100th Test. For Mitchell Starc, it’ll be his 99th Test, with the possibility of his 100th coming in Jamaica. The left-arm pacer is also just nine wickets away from reaching the 400-wicket mark.
The second Test is set to begin this Thursday. Pat Cummins’ Australia currently leads the three-match series after winning the first Test within three days.
